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The next morning, aside from Lucien, who lays low, word gets around that the rest of you are true heroes. Everywhere you go, the townfolk treat you with favor! Alma Avertin shoves some fresh bread and pastries into Snag's arms, claiming that he needs to eat more, that he is too skinny... Mira is waved down by Savah at Savah's Armory and offers her a 20% discount on anything in stock! Visits to the Hagfish result in cheers and a round of drinks!
Snag goes to help at the school and does his daily duties.
Hey, Snag! I hear you all rocked yesterday! Saving people like proper heroes! Kusano says with a grin, being his usual rascally self, interrupting the lesson.
All of a sudden the other students are surrounding Snag, asking questions! Were you scared? Was it hard attacking your kin? Did you do magicks! Show us! Yeah, show us!
"Snag tried to help, but mostly kept distance so not too scary. Goblins try and make Snag look bad. Strange goblins attack like that. Snag wonder if something bad forced them to attack Sandpoint. No spells in classroom. Bad for books." Snag says to the barrage of questions and shakes his head about throwing black lightning around a classroom.
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Meanwhile elsewhere, at another time, Mangrove is approached by one of the Tian Min girls from town. Though they largely look alike to the Leshy, Mangrove has learned to distinguish them from each other by their choice of dress and habits. This one, he is certain is a girl named Kizumi, apprentice to Nisk Tander, the local alchemist.
Hi, Man-chan! I made this for you! she holds up a small bottle of fizzing liquid. I hope you like it! Thank you for saving the town!
She presses it into the living bonsai's hand and grins before running off, back toward home...
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And at another location across town, Lucien is pulled into an alleyway. A dark-eyed Chelish man looks down at the Halfling, The boss would like to meet with you. Come to the Sawmill at the Witching Hour. The passphrase will be Chelish Honor...
Without waiting for a response, the man steps out of the alleyway and walks off.
The bark around Mangroves tree-face reddens a bit, but his smile is genuine as he accepts the gift. "Why thank you. I only did what was right... it's my town too you know. May your benches grow heavy with blossoms and peace be with you".
Lucien is startled by the unexpected encounter but remains calm as the message is delivered. "I'll be there..." he strains to whisper to the man as he disappears away from the alley.
Now left to himself, Lucien considers whether he has seen this man before, or not. Either way he smiles to himself, thinking the door to being inside the organization that operates secretly in Sandpoint might be opening for him soon.
He spends the rest of the day scouring some of the local dives, like the Hagfish, for any information as to what is going down or what connections are made at the Sawmill itself.
If he gets the chance, Lucien tries to find Mangrove, Snag, Anthony, or Mira and asks them if they know anything about the Scarnetti's, Titus Scarnetti in particular.
If he can't find the others before midnight, he does his best to work his own contacts in this regard.
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The Scarnetti family is one of the four founding families of Sandpoint just over 40 years ago. The Scarnettis have often favored bullying tactics, including inciting a mob to force the native Varisians from the land that was to become Sandpoint.
Titus emerged as the family leader, some 20 years later. Establishing the sawmill, he increased production to make his family wealthier than any before him...
Mangrove finds a spot that sells more of his gifted elixer, and perhaps overindulges a bit. He goes back to one of his normal rooting spots and tries to sleep it off... unless someone comes for him.
In the morning, presumably Anthony visits the Sandpoint Cathedral's Faithful Ward, a hall dedicated to pilgrims of faiths other than the main four of Sandpoint. While there, he is greeted by a young half-elven acolyte...
Morning had come far too early for most in town, between the shock of the goblin assault the day before, and the festivities that had kept many townsfolk up drinking and celebrating...well, it was a quiet morning in the chapel. And Jhilvar was enjoying it.
Humming quietly to himself as he swept in between the pews and around the various pillars, the half-elf glanced up when cleric walked into the hall.
(Yes, I know Jhilvar is an NPC, but I figured, what the heck. :D )
Arching an eyebrow, the acolyte paused in his sweeping and called out politely, "Good morning, brother. And how are you this fine, fine day? I'd offer a proper greeting in respect to you patron, but I'm afraid I don't recognize your symbol...I follow the teachings of Iomedae myself."
Then, as if suddenly remembering his manners, the young man offers, "But of course, it matters not. All who consider the joined cause of peace and safety are welcome here..."
"Good morning. Milani, the Everbloom seeks to free the oppressed, bring hope to the hopeless, and brings victory to those who overcome despair. I am Anthony. My path has led me here today."
While making these minor remarks, Anthony will put a silver coin in an offerings box.
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It is about mid-morning when Sheriff Hemlock calls Mira into the garrison and frowns, Father Zantus sent me a messenger this morning. It seems that someone has broken into the tomb of Father Tobin. You are young, but do you remember him?
Hemlock nods and continues, We are still trying to secure the town, with sightings of goblins and inspection of damages, and we are stretched thin. Do you think you can take your friends and investigate Father Tobin's tomb and report back? If they need... motivation... I can offer five silver shards (coin) for each of them.
Mira stands at attention as Sheriff Hemlock addresses her, her mind quickly recalling the tragic story of the fire.
"Yes, Sheriff, I remember Father Tobin. The memory of the fire is still vivid in the minds of many in Sandpoint, and the desecration of his tomb is a serious matter."
Mira considers for a moment, knowing that Kusano and Manny would want to help regardless of the reward. Anthony seemed quite helpful and dedicated; she could probably convince him to join. The shifty coin-seeking halfling would jump at the opportunity for more coin in his purse. Snag, well, he's a goblin, which counts against him, but he's a goblin on their side, which is in his favor. He did help before ...
"I can do that, Sheriff. They'll be eager to assist, I just know it. We'll head to the tomb right away and report back with what we find. You can count on us!" She finishes by pounding her fist on her chest.
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Mira gathers the crew, Kusano is excited to join you, but his father sternly calls him back. A few moments pass and Kusano returns, kicking at stones, Father says that I have drills to do... I wish I could go with you! Make sure you meet back up with me at the Rusty Dragon and tell me all about it! Aunty Ameiko makes the best curry!
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On your way to the cemetery behind the cathedral, Mira fills you in...
Lucien agrees to work with the others again but is clearly interested in the fee more than doing the church a solid. "The priest is going to pay us? That's a change! Sure, I'll go along and look at some old graveyard. How hard can that be?"
Mira nods, giving Kusano an encouraging smile. "We'll fill you in on everything, Kusano. Don't worry. And yes, we'll definitely meet up at the Rusty Dragon for some curry!"
With Kusano returning to his duties, Mira and company make their way to the cemetery behind the cathedral. As they walk, Mira begins to explain the situation.
"Alright, here's the situation. This morning, Sheriff Hemlock called me into the garrison. He told me that someone has broken into the tomb of Father Tobin. Do you remember him? He was the high priest when the old cathedral burned down about five years ago. He died in that fire, along with his daughter."
"I am of course willing to help as I can. I'm used to my roots being below the ground but not all of me. Should be enlightening".
"Poor Father Tobin and daughter. Snag try and help find out what happen to him, but have to clean chalk board still today. Does Mira know if tomb looted?" Snag says as he nods and plans out his day.
Mira shakes her head, "I do not know. I know someone broken into it, that's it. I would assume it's looted though. Why else would someone break into a tomb if not to loot it?"
"Cannot even the dead have peaceful rest? Of course, we should look into this, and bring the perpetrators to justice -- at least mortal justice."
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When you arrive to the small crypt, the door obviously hangs ajar. Father Zantus meets you shortly after you arrive, Thank you for coming! We all saw what you did for the town, and I apologize to have to ask more of you... It seems that someone broke in sometime during the commotion yesterday. We haven't sent anyone in, in case there are still goblins within, but no one has been seen leaving since it was discovered...
Mira nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We're here to help, Father Zantus. We'll go inside and see what we can find. If there are goblins or anything else in there, we'll take care of it."
She steps forward, entering the crypt and says "Be on your guard and ready for some more goblins."
Snag wards himself and then prepares to enter after the big folk walk in.
Lucien loads and readies his shortbow, and makes sure to take a position at the rear of the group. If they enter the crypt, he stands back to cover them from behind. "I'll cover you from the door, in case goblins still lurk in there., but it might be helpful to light up the inside, if anyone can, before going in."
Mangrove casts light on his shield and enters. [Defend Exploration activity]
"I can give 3 more of you a magical light source that's good till morning if you want".
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You enter the crypt, the morning light spilling in from the open door. Mangrove's magic light flares up on the Leshy's shield to fill the rest of the room.
The first and most notable thing that strikes you is that the lid of the sarcophagus is leaning on its side. As everyone moves to approach the casket, Mangrove notes that there are many goblin footprints in the dust on the floor, but one other more human sized, seemingly directing them.
It is at that revelation, and barely a step or two into the chamber that a rattling is heard and from behind stone sarcophagus four skeletons form up, pinpoint on targets and combat is upon you!
Order
Mira
Mangrove
Skeleton Blue
Anthony Slater
Skeleton Green
Skeleton Yellow
Skeleton Red
Lucien
Snag
"These aren't goblins!" Mira shouts, confused. Her instincts kick in immediately. "Be ready!" she shouts, gripping her warhammer tightly. She hustles forward and swings her weapon twice.
◆ Courageous Anthem Composition Cantrip
You inspire yourself and your allies with words or tunes of encouragement. You and all allies in the area gain a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects.
◆ Stride
◆ Seed Pod Attack @ Green
Spitting Seed
Bludgeoning
Your body produces a nearly endless supply of hard seedpods. You gain a seedpod ranged unarmed attack with a range increment of 30 feet that deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage. On a critical hit, a seedpod bursts, issuing forth a tangle of vegetation that imposes a –10-foot circumstance penalty on the target’s Speed until the start of your next turn. Seedpods do not add critical specialization effects.
Anthony will have had his shield raised (Exploration Activity: Defend), which would have raised his AC to 20, thus negating the second strike from hitting.
◆ Raise Shield
◆ bludgeoning damage.
◆ bludgeoning damage.
Lucien is startled when skeletons jump out of the darkened mausoleum, but he slowly regains his wits after his team batters most of the undead creatures. With an arrow already nocked, he steps to his left a bit to get a clear line on the remaining skeleton.
Snag sends a bolt of black lightning at the remaining skeleton.
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Lucien's arrow would have struck true, had it not passed right between a pair of ribs!
The skeleton attempts to leap out of the way of the mini-bolt of lightning! It rolls out of the way, avoiding the bulk of the arc!
Order - Round 2
Mira
Mangrove
Skeleton Blue -3 hp
Anthony Slater
Skeleton Green
Skeleton Yellow
Skeleton Red
Lucien
Snag
With no skeletons around her to deal with, Mira quickly hustles around to flank with Anthony, delivering another solid strike with her Warhammer.
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The skeletons strike you as odd. If they were animated from 'residents' of this crypt, there would be empty biers or caskets, but all are still inhabited with the only notable exception, Father Tobyn's.
A black robe is found on the floor behind the old priest's sarcophagus, from where the skeletons had sprouted up.
It is curious that Father Tobyn is gone, this robe is here, and where did the skeletons come from, but, I cannot figure this out at all."
After the last skeleton is destroyed by Mira, Lucien shoulders his bow and sheepishly peers more into the crypt. "What were those things? I mean, my arrow went right through it!" he says, wide-eyed more to himself than anyone in particular.
As the dour priest finds and inspects the cloak left in the mausoleum, Lucien shrugs. "Beats me," he says. "I'm no expert on such things, but maybe one of these skeletons Mira crushed was the dead and gone Father What's-His-Name?"
Since the door to the crypt was open when they arrived, Lucien wonders if there is a handle or mechanism to open it from the inside. He senses that would be rather odd, since the denizens would not typically exit. He inspects the back of the door. And then the door and jamb, if any, to see if it was opened from the inside, or there was an outside intrusion.
After the last skeleton is destroyed by Mira, Lucien shoulders his bow and sheepishly peers more into the crypt. "What were those things? I mean, my arrow went right through it!" he says, wide-eyed more to himself than anyone in particular.
As the dour priest finds and inspects the cloak left in the mausoleum, Lucien shrugs. "Beats me," he says. "I'm no expert on such things, but maybe one of these skeletons Mira crushed was the dead and gone Father What's-His-Name?"
Since the door to the crypt was open when they arrived, Lucien wonders if there is a handle or mechanism to open it from the inside. He senses that would be rather odd, since the denizens would not typically exit. He inspects the back of the door. And then the door and jamb, if any, to see if it was opened from the inside, or there was an outside intrusion.